Wedding Day-Of Timeline

Everything that has to happen on the day, in the order it has to happen, so nobody panics.

Night Before

• Confirm vendor arrival times in writing (one final group text)
• Lay out everything: dress/suit, rings, license, vows, shoes, jewelry, gifts
• Charge every device + backup batteries
• Eat a real dinner, drink water, in bed by 11pm

Morning (T-6 to T-3 hours)

• Eat breakfast — this is non-negotiable
• Hair + makeup (allow 30-45 min per person)
• Photographer arrives for getting-ready shots
• Wedding party hydrates; designate one person to push water on the couple
• Bouquet and boutonniere delivery confirmed

T-3 to T-1 Hour

• Get dressed; have someone double-check zippers, buttons, ties
• First-look photos (if doing them)
• Wedding party photos in pre-set locations
• Hand off rings, vows, license, and final payments to designated person (NOT either spouse)

T-1 Hour to Ceremony

• Officiant arrives; do final walkthrough of order of service
• Musicians/DJ ready; sound check on processional music
• Couple and parents tucked away — do not let them greet early arrivals

Ceremony

• Coordinator cues processional
• Witnesses sign marriage license immediately after; coordinator collects it

Ceremony → Reception Gap

• Cocktail hour: have someone bring you appetizers and water — you'll be too busy to grab any
• Family photos (have shot list with named groupings)

Reception

• Grand entrance → first dance → welcome toast → dinner
• Toasts during dinner (3 max, 3 min each)
• Cake cutting + parent dances
• Open dance floor with high-energy song
• Bouquet/garter optional; many couples skip

End of Night

• Designated person collects: cards, gifts, marriage license, top tier of cake
• Pre-arranged ride home (you should not drive)
• Late-night snack waiting at the hotel — you barely ate